The Civic Readiness Series

The Exploring Countries Series

Praise for the series:

Gr 1-2–These titles provide a basic profile of each country for beginning readers. The books open with guided discussion questions for educators and caregivers for before, during, and after reading to help build reading skills. Pages include one to three sentences paired with colorful photos and informative graphics, including picture captions and basic maps. Vocabulary words are in bold and are presented with pictures in the glossary along with the definition. For example, a picture of a lavender field in France is shown next to a definition where lavender is defined as: “a sweet-smelling plant with light purple flowers” (France). The text highlights Indigenous people where applicable along with well-known landmarks, plants, animals, and geographic features of the­ ­country. ­VERDICT: Serviceable profiles of various countries for beginning readers. -School Library Journal

The All About the US Military Series

Praise for the series:

K-Gr 3—Young military enthusiasts will find these five colorful volumes both informative and attractive. In short, simple prose the author details the missions, jobs, weapons, and uniforms of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces. Readers learn about the M4 rifle that shoots up to 950 bullets per minute, the Air Force F-22 fighter plane, the M-ATV that can drive Marines through mud and water, icebreakers used by the Coast Guard to keep waterways navigable, and the F/A-18s that fly off of Navy carriers. All titles feature information on age, citizenship, and training requirements as well as the different types of jobs airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines do. Bright photographs enhance the text with the diversity of each branch’s members, weapons, and work locations. VERDICT These perennial favorite subjects will be welcomed by youngsters with an interest in the military and should be considered by public and school libraries. -School Library Journal

Microwaves

Praise for the book:

K-Gr 2—These titles feature objects and processes that will be familiar to students, such as video games, cell phones, and GPS. The connection of each type of wave to kids’ everyday lives makes the content relevant to young readers…Each book ends with directions for an activity to explore the concepts covered…The series could be read to first graders or explored independently by older students. VERDICT A solid introduction to the concepts; a good addition to collections. -School Library Journal

Protecting the Amazon Rainforest

Praise for the book:

Gr 4–7—The world’s most important biomes and the environmental threats they face are explored in this colorful series. Each of the four biomes has its own volume and features full-page, high-resolution photographs and infographics that provide lesser-known facts about these delicate and endangered ecosystems…Learners will expand their reading comprehension thanks to the quiz at the end of each chapter, and infographics and simple maps provide context without being overwhelming. Boldface words with a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading are also included. VERDICT This series, ideal for smaller early to middle grade collections, offers an introduction to endangered biomes and ways to save them. -School Library Journal

Aztec Civilization

Praise for the book:

“Easy-to-understand text is presented in large print and, along with the color photos and short chapters, invites the reader to explore these ancient cultures.” —School Library Connection